Author's note: thanks for the reviews, always greatly appreciated. Sorry
the last chapter was so short, hopefully this will make up for it.
Fifteen – The Message
Bobby opened the door to his apartment
"You don't have to stay you know," He said to Ponch. Not feeling much like company.
Ponch ignored him and dropped his bag onto the couch.
"Actually I'm under orders to make sure you have some down time." He knew from the frown that he got from his partner that his comment hadn't been well received. "And, I'd rather have you mad at me than Getraer."
Ponch flopped down onto the couch, as Bobby admitted defeat.
"Don't be afraid to make yourself at home." He quipped as he walked into the kitchen.
"Thanks partner." Ponch switched on the TV. "How 'bout some refreshment?"
Bobby smiled at his partners' audacity and took a soda out of the fridge.
"Here." He tossed it to Ponch then walked across to lounge area to his bedroom. "Wake me up in two hours."
"Sure thing, partner." Ponch answered, not taking his eyes from the football game on the TV.
An hour later darkness had fallen. Inside Bobby's apartment Ponch was fast asleep on the couch. A half eaten packet of chips were lying on his chest and the opening theme to Starsky & Hutch flashed onto the TV screen.
The latch on the front door rattled. Ponch didn't so much as stir as the door opened and two masked figures entered. They silently walked across the lounge, checking on the sleeping officer, before turning to Bobby's bedroom.
Inside Bobby was in a deep sleep, and had been since the moment his head hit the pillow. The intruders slipped into the room. As one of them turned to close the door, a gunshot was heard from the television.
Bobby jolted awake. Although still groggy he suddenly became aware of the two figures near the door. Alarm bells rang in his head, but a hand was clamped over his mouth before he had a chance to call out. One of the intruders leaned in close to his ear.
"You make one sound and we'll shoot sleeping beauty out there, understand?"
Bobby, breathing heavily, nodded and the hand was released. His mind raced. Were these the kidnappers? Could he fight them? & had they hurt his partner?
"Hands behind your back!"
A gun was shoved under his chin when Bobby hesitated.
"Please." The man added, sarcastically.
Bobby complied and his hands were tied with plastic ties. He was shoved back to sitting position when it was done.
Bobby could hold his patience no longer.
"What have you done with my brother?"
"Ah, young Officer Bruce Nelson," He put the emphasis on the forename. "Imagine my surprise when I discovered a second Officer Nelson..."
He corrected himself.
"Or more my colleague did, still, I think it works out better this way."
Bobby sensed the smile across the intruders face through the mask. He tested the strength of his bonds. The man continued.
"I can see the family resemblance, blonde hair, blue eyes..." He was getting immense pleasure out of watching the officer's expressions of anger and fear. "And you both chew your bottom lip when you're anxious."
Bobby hadn't been aware he was doing so, but stopped when he realised he was.
"Why are you doing this Levy?"
Jacob hesitated at the mention of his name. He hadn't realised that the officers would figure out his identity quite so soon. He would however exact his revenge before they found his location.
"I had a kid brother, when he was six he caught me swiping a bottle of gin from the old mans' liquor cabinet. It cost me my Swiss army knife and two weeks allowance to keep him quiet. He was quite the entrepreneur, but he could be a pain in the ass." He faced Bobby as he spoke, keeping the gun trained on the officer. "Kid brothers can be that way sometimes, can't they?"
Bobby answered honestly.
"Yeah. Sometimes." He wasn't sure he liked where the conversation was leading.
Jacob could feel the anger building, his tone taking a malicious turn.
"My brother was innocent. It's always the innocent ones who have to suffer."
Jacob pulled the bloodstained shirt sleeve from his pocket and shoved it into Bobby's face.
"So, I guess this makes us even!"
Bobby recoiled from the rag. The smell of blood made him want to retch.
"You're lying!" Bobby tried to not show the emotion in his voice, but the images from the Polaroid were still too fresh in his mind. His eyes stung from the tears which formed.
Jacob smiled as he saw the officers' emotions betray him. He removed his mask.
"I've waited so long to make you pay for what you did." His voice seethed with anger and a hint of pleasure. "Justice will be done."
Bobby forced his emotions back and met eyes with Jacob.
"One thing we do agree on." He said with conviction.
Rage flickered across Jacob's face and he advanced upon Bobby.
Just as he was about to strike the officer, Jacob was distracted as the door opened and the light was switched on.
"Okay partner, rise and...." The word died on Ponch's lips as he took in the scene.
Bobby used the interruption to his advantage and kicked out at Jacob, knocking the man backwards. Though he recovered quickly and aimed the gun at the restrained Bobby. Ponch leapt at the attacker and the pair toppled onto the bed. In the struggle all three ended up falling from the bed onto the floor. Bobby was pinned under the pair grappling for the gun and was frantically trying to free himself from his bonds to assist his partner.
Carlos, who had until now been frozen to the spot, took action. He picked up a lamp for a table and, before Bobby could shout a warning, smashed it down on Ponch's head. Stunned Ponch slumped forward. Carlos grabbed Jacob and the pair quickly made their escape.
Ponch came to his senses when he realised Bobby was yelling from underneath him. He heard the engine of a vehicle being started outside and ran to the window. He was in time to see a van disappearing around the corner at the end of the street.
"Damn!" He slammed the palm of his hand against the window frame in frustration.
"Hey Ponch?"
Ponch turned at the sound of Bobby's voice to see the younger man still struggling on the floor.
"A little help partner?" Sixteen – Assessing the Situation
The fog in Bruce's head began to clear and he became aware of something cold and flat against his face. He opened his eyes to see that he was still in the garage. Noting that everything at a funny angle he realised he was lying on the floor. As Bruce attempted to sit up, pain seared through his right wrist, which was tied behind his back. Grey dots flashed across his vision, but Bruce was determined not to fall back into unconsciousness. He blinked back the impending darkness and continued to wriggle against the wall until he was upright. His back was throbbing and Bruce felt a warm, wet trickle running down his left forearm. Glancing over his shoulder he realised it was blood coming from a deep cut. He knew he had been in a fight with Jacob, but couldn't remember receiving this particular injury. Bruce wondered what else his kidnapper had been up to while he was unconscious.
**********
Ponch and Bobby sat in Sgt. Getraer's office. They had briefed the Sergeant on the nights' events and the pair had been checked over by the station doctor, much to the two officer's objections.
Bruce's bloodied shirt sleeve had been put into an evidence bag, which Sgt. Getraer now had in his possession.
"Thankfully, there's not enough blood here to justify Jacob's threat about Bruce," He hoped he sounded confident as he tried to reassure his worried officers.
"Did Jacob actually say he had killed Bruce?" He asked Bobby.
Bobby searched his memory for the words Jacob had used, flinching when he remembered the man shoving his brother's bloodied shirt into his face.
Ponch laid a reassuring hand on Bobby's shoulder.
"Err, no." Bobby pulled himself out of the flashback. "He said that we were even."
"He wanted to see your reaction." Ponch tried to keep the anger from his voice. "The bastard's messing with your head, trying to get a rise out of you."
A flicker of rage appeared in Bobby's eyes.
"It's working."
Ponch and Sgt. Getraer shared a concerned glance. Neither had seen the younger officer quite so enraged before and neither wanted to think about what would happen to Bobby if Jacob made true on his threat.
Before either of them could voice their concerns, Grossman knocked and entered.
"Sarge, we've got a possible location on Carlos Montoya, LAPD are checking it out."
**********
Debbie followed Jacob as he walked from the office into the garage. Bruce watched the pair, cautiously.
"You took a big chance going to the guys' apartment." Debbie was agitated.
Jacob stopped and turned to face Debbie
"Maybe, but it was worth it." He grinned and grabbed Debbie by the waist.
She didn't resist as he pulled her toward him, though she did pull away when Jacob leaned in to kiss her.
"Was it?" She said the scorn evident in her voice. "If you've had your moment of glory, maybe we can get out of this dump."
She watched Jacob carefully.
"Remember Mexico?" She leaned in towards Jacob. "A house on the beach."
She kissed her lover.
"A new life, just you and me." She continued to coax.
"A new life," Jacob agreed. He smiled at Debbie and then glanced over to Bruce, "With no ties."
A knot formed in the young officers' stomach as his eyes met Jacob's icy stare. "This does not look good." He concluded.
Carlos, who had been working near the front door, glanced up as a black and white patrol car pulled up outside.
"Err boss," He whipped his head round. "I think we have a problem."
"What kind of problem?" Jacob asked, annoyed that his time with Debbie was being cut short.
"Cops!" Carlos replied
In an instant Jacob was at his side.
"How did the police find us?" He queried, sure that they hadn't been followed from Bobby's apartment.
Bruce's heart leapt when he heard Jacob mention the police.
Jacob watched the two officers from the patrol car approach the garage. He glanced up and down the street, seeing that it was clear of any other traffic.
"Okay, it looks like it's just the two of them," He tucked the gun he had drawn into the waistband of his jeans and covered it with his shirt.
"Carlos, get Nelson in the back."
Carlos nodded and ran over to Bruce. As he was yanked to his feet, fire shot through Bruce's arm and he yelped in pain.
Jacob turned at the sudden noise.
"Keep him quiet!" He hissed.
Carlos clamped a hand over the injured officer's mouth, cutting off another cry as he was dragged into the office.
"Debbie, get out of sight." Jacob nodded to the office. "I'll get rid of them."
Debbie followed Carlos into the office, closing the door behind her. Carlos shoved Bruce to the ground next to the water cooler, who grimaced as his back connected with the wall. Carlos grabbed a rag from his pocket. Before he had time to protest, the filthy rag was thrust into Bruce's mouth. Carlos joined Debbie next to the office door.
The police officers double checked the address of the garage and knocked on the door. Seventeen – Cornered
Jacob swung the door open.
"Can I help you officers?" He asked calmly.
One of the officers looked him up and down, mentally checking the man at the door with the description they had been given of Carlos.
"We're looking for Carlos Montoya," He stated. "We have this address as his last known location."
Jacob nodded.
"He used to work here," He emphasised the 'used to'.
"He doesn't anymore?" The officer questioned.
"I caught the little creep helping himself to the takings one night, so I kicked him out." Jacob watched as the officer took down notes. "Damn shame, the kid was a good mechanic."
"And when was this?"
Jacob took a moment, pretending to mull over the officers' question.
"About a month ago, give or take."
Again the officer noted the details.
"You haven't seen him since?"
Jacob shook his head.
"Nope."
As the police continued to ask questions, Carlos and Debbie watched covertly from the office. They were both turned away from Bruce, who was desperately trying to think of a way to attract the attention of the two officers. He shifted position and bumped into the cooler, which moved. Seizing his chance Bruce pushed against the cooler with his left shoulder. It moved slightly but then rocked back into position. He checked on Carlos and Debbie, who were focused on Jacob and hadn't heard him. He tried again. The cooler tilted forward but didn't tip over; by now Bruce was breathing heavily through the oily rag. He heard the officers outside.
"If he does contact you, call us straight away."
They turned to leave. Jacob started to relax. Bruce felt his heart drop. "They're buying his story," He thought dismayed that once again he was about to be left to the fate of Jacob.
Bruce pushed into the cooler with every ounce of energy he had left. He and the cooler crashed to ground.
Outside the two officers hesitated and shared a glance upon hearing the crash.
"Is someone else in there sir?" One of the officers questioned, noticing a sudden change in Jacob's expression.
"Nope, just me." Jacob tried to keep his composure.
The officer tried to peer round Jacob into the garage.
"Oh, and my cat Felix." Jacob added. Though he sensed that the officers were no longer buying his story.
"Would you mind if we came in and had a look around?" The officer studied Jacob's face for a reaction.
"Actually I'm kinda beat." Jacob was getting nervous. "Could you come back in the morning?"
In the office Carlos had grabbed Bruce and was pinning him to the ground. Bruce tried to roll free, but Carlos forced a knee into his back. Bruce cried out into the gag. Carlos then silenced the officer with an elbow to the side of his face, sending his world spinning.
Outside the officers heard the muffled cry and both reached for their side arms.
"Sir, stand aside." One of the officers tried to order Jacob away from the door.
Jacob pulled his own gun from his waistband at the same moment the officers had taken their stance and fired. One officer stumbled to the ground, hit in the shoulder. The other dove for cover as a bullet whizzed past his ear. The latter managed to squeeze off a shot at Jacob, which ricocheted off the door frame as he retreated back inside the garage. Eighteen – Under Siege
Jacob stormed through the garage to the office.
"What the hell happened?" He yelled at Carlos pulling him up by his collar.
"The cop smashed the cooler," He said in his defence, gesturing to Bruce who still lay on the ground.
Bruce rolled onto his back, clearing the last few dots from in front of his eyes from Carlos' savage blow. They were replaced by Jacob's furious form.
*********
Outside, the uninjured officer checked on his partner's flesh wound and grabbed the radio receiver in their patrol car.
"LA15, mobile 2, assistance required, shots fired, I repeat shots fired at garage on 127th & Main." He continued quickly. "One officer injured and a possible hostage situation, roll ambulance and armed response to this location."
*********
A gush of air escaped from Bruce's lungs as he was thrown forward into the desk. He gagged and choked as the rag in his mouth prevented him from catching his breath.
"You think you're so smart!" Jacob shouted and spun Bruce around. He sent a savage punch into the officer's ribs.
Bruce gave a muffled yell as a second blow quickly followed the first.
Jacob was about to deliver a third, when Debbie placed a hand on his arm.
"Shouldn't we be getting out of here about now?"
Jacob met Debbie's eyes then glanced back at Bruce, who was barely keeping upright and leaning heavily against the desk. The rage was still evident in his captor's eyes, but Bruce saw the muscle in his arm relax.
"Go check out front." He told Debbie. "Carlos, get the van ready."
The pair both left the office. Jacob turned his attention back to Bruce, who was still breathing heavily against the gag.
Bruce attempted to speak, but what he said was muffled.
Jacob laughed at his efforts.
"You want to talk Officer Nelson?" He stepped up close to the younger man.
Bruce kept eye contact, refusing to be intimidated by the larger man.
Jacob removed the gag and Bruce spit the foul oily taste from his mouth.
"I know you think Bobby killed your brother," Bruce kept his voice calm as anger flashed in Jacob's eyes."
"He murdered him." Jacob spat back. "He moved Bryan from the car and killed him."
Bruce tried to keep Jacob talking knowing back-up would arrive soon.
"There was an accident?" He questioned. "Who was driving?"
Bruce watched as some of the rage left Jacobs face, though the man didn't answer.
"You were." Bruce concluded.
The pieces of what had happened clicked into place and Bruce decided to voice his theory.
"You were driving the car and you were drunk."
Jacob shook his head.
"No."
"You lost control & crashed the car." Bruce could see his ploy was working as Jacob started showing emotion, tears welling up in the man's eyes.
Bruce tried one last time.
"Bobby didn't kill your brother," He watched Jacob carefully. "You did."
Just then sirens were heard from outside. In an instant Jacob was back to his old self.
"You're lying!"
Jacob struck out with the gun, connecting with the side of Bruce's head. Bruce was flung to the ground from the force of the blow, his ears ringing.
**********
Several police units pulled up outside the garage. Medics from an ambulance attended to the injured officer. His partner briefed Sgt. Getraer.
"Two or more suspects inside the building, we heard a muffled shout before the guy at the door started shooting."
Sgt. Getraer showed him a photo of Jacob Levy.
"Is this the guy?"
The officer nodded.
"That's him." He confirmed.
Ponch and Bobby joined the Sergeant.
"Is it Levy?" Ponch asked.
"Just got a positive I.D."
"What about Bruce?" Bobby was anxious for news of his brother.
The LAPD officer shrugged his shoulders.
"Someone was trying to get our attention, I heard a shout but it was cut off." He saw the disappointment on Bobby's face. "There's been no further shots fired, sorry I can't give you anymore information."
Sgt. Getraer thanked the officer who returned to his injured partner.
**********
Jacob paced the office. He had been so stupid to let Nelson get into his head. He glanced down at Bruce on the floor and realised he had been buying time. "I should have dealt with you long ago pig!" He thought as he delivered a savage kick to the officer's ribs.
Bruce cried out in pain. Jacob knelt down and grabbed a handful of Bruce's hair. He looked into the battered face of his captive.
"Who got the power now?"
Jacob ran the gun up from Bruce's chin along the side of his face. Bruce again defied giving his captor the satisfaction of seeing his fear and met his eyes. Enraged Jacob pressed the gun into Bruce's temple.
Debbie returned to the office.
"Jacob, we've got a whole station full of cops out front."
Bruce felt the pressure from the gun ease and he let out the breath which he had been subconsciously holding. He swallowed back the urge to vomit and from far away he heard Jacob's voice.
"Not a problem."
Jacob grabbed the officer by his left bi-cep.
"Up!" He demanded, hauling Bruce to his feet before he had a chance to comply.
"Baby, what are you gonna do?" Debbie asked confused and a little worried. She had never seen her lover so angry before.
Jacob half dragged Bruce across the garage, past Carlos, to the front door.
"I'm getting us out of here!"
Nineteen – Ultimatum
Outside the garage an officer spotted movement.
"Someone's coming out!"
All eyes, and guns, were focused on the garage door as it opened.
Jacob shoved Bruce in front of him, keeping his own body out of the line of fire. Bruce concentrated more on remaining upright than the sea of officers in front of him.
Bobby heart jumped into his throat when he saw his brother. He could see various cuts and bruises on his face and he was wavering slightly on his feet, but he was alive.
"Bruce!"
Bobby tried to step forward, but a strong hand on his arm held him back.
"Hold it partner," Ponch said at his side. He too was relieved to see Bruce.
Upon hearing his brother's voice Bruce found some energy to struggle against his captor. Hoping to pull loose to give the officers a chance to shoot Jacob.
Jacob simply tightened his vice like grip on the officer's arm and thrust the gun under Bruce's chin. Bruce instantly stilled.
"Unless you want this very fine young officers' career ended in the next two minutes, you'll back off right now!" Jacob demanded.
The officers hesitated.
"I said now!" He pushed the gun harder into Bruce's chin, causing him to tilt back his head painfully.
Sgt. Getraer gave the order to pull back. There was a flurry of movement as officers climbed into cars or ran back down the street to a safer distance.
Satisfied the police had complied Jacob pulled Bruce back inside the garage and slammed the door.
"In the van, now!" He ordered "Carlos, you're driving."
Jacob pulled Bruce to the side door of the van as Carlos climbed into the front. Debbie opened the door.
Bruce tried one last time to reason with his captor.
"Jacob it's over, just give it up before someone else gets hurt."
"Shut up!" Jacob cuffed the officer across the head with the gun and pushed him inside the van.
Carlos started the engine when all were in.
"What about the front doors?" He shouted through the metal grate between the front and the back.
"Ram them!" Jacob answered.
"Okay," Carlos answered under his breath.
Thinking Jacob had truly lost the plot and was about to get them all killed, he put the van into drive and hit the gas.
Fifteen – The Message
Bobby opened the door to his apartment
"You don't have to stay you know," He said to Ponch. Not feeling much like company.
Ponch ignored him and dropped his bag onto the couch.
"Actually I'm under orders to make sure you have some down time." He knew from the frown that he got from his partner that his comment hadn't been well received. "And, I'd rather have you mad at me than Getraer."
Ponch flopped down onto the couch, as Bobby admitted defeat.
"Don't be afraid to make yourself at home." He quipped as he walked into the kitchen.
"Thanks partner." Ponch switched on the TV. "How 'bout some refreshment?"
Bobby smiled at his partners' audacity and took a soda out of the fridge.
"Here." He tossed it to Ponch then walked across to lounge area to his bedroom. "Wake me up in two hours."
"Sure thing, partner." Ponch answered, not taking his eyes from the football game on the TV.
An hour later darkness had fallen. Inside Bobby's apartment Ponch was fast asleep on the couch. A half eaten packet of chips were lying on his chest and the opening theme to Starsky & Hutch flashed onto the TV screen.
The latch on the front door rattled. Ponch didn't so much as stir as the door opened and two masked figures entered. They silently walked across the lounge, checking on the sleeping officer, before turning to Bobby's bedroom.
Inside Bobby was in a deep sleep, and had been since the moment his head hit the pillow. The intruders slipped into the room. As one of them turned to close the door, a gunshot was heard from the television.
Bobby jolted awake. Although still groggy he suddenly became aware of the two figures near the door. Alarm bells rang in his head, but a hand was clamped over his mouth before he had a chance to call out. One of the intruders leaned in close to his ear.
"You make one sound and we'll shoot sleeping beauty out there, understand?"
Bobby, breathing heavily, nodded and the hand was released. His mind raced. Were these the kidnappers? Could he fight them? & had they hurt his partner?
"Hands behind your back!"
A gun was shoved under his chin when Bobby hesitated.
"Please." The man added, sarcastically.
Bobby complied and his hands were tied with plastic ties. He was shoved back to sitting position when it was done.
Bobby could hold his patience no longer.
"What have you done with my brother?"
"Ah, young Officer Bruce Nelson," He put the emphasis on the forename. "Imagine my surprise when I discovered a second Officer Nelson..."
He corrected himself.
"Or more my colleague did, still, I think it works out better this way."
Bobby sensed the smile across the intruders face through the mask. He tested the strength of his bonds. The man continued.
"I can see the family resemblance, blonde hair, blue eyes..." He was getting immense pleasure out of watching the officer's expressions of anger and fear. "And you both chew your bottom lip when you're anxious."
Bobby hadn't been aware he was doing so, but stopped when he realised he was.
"Why are you doing this Levy?"
Jacob hesitated at the mention of his name. He hadn't realised that the officers would figure out his identity quite so soon. He would however exact his revenge before they found his location.
"I had a kid brother, when he was six he caught me swiping a bottle of gin from the old mans' liquor cabinet. It cost me my Swiss army knife and two weeks allowance to keep him quiet. He was quite the entrepreneur, but he could be a pain in the ass." He faced Bobby as he spoke, keeping the gun trained on the officer. "Kid brothers can be that way sometimes, can't they?"
Bobby answered honestly.
"Yeah. Sometimes." He wasn't sure he liked where the conversation was leading.
Jacob could feel the anger building, his tone taking a malicious turn.
"My brother was innocent. It's always the innocent ones who have to suffer."
Jacob pulled the bloodstained shirt sleeve from his pocket and shoved it into Bobby's face.
"So, I guess this makes us even!"
Bobby recoiled from the rag. The smell of blood made him want to retch.
"You're lying!" Bobby tried to not show the emotion in his voice, but the images from the Polaroid were still too fresh in his mind. His eyes stung from the tears which formed.
Jacob smiled as he saw the officers' emotions betray him. He removed his mask.
"I've waited so long to make you pay for what you did." His voice seethed with anger and a hint of pleasure. "Justice will be done."
Bobby forced his emotions back and met eyes with Jacob.
"One thing we do agree on." He said with conviction.
Rage flickered across Jacob's face and he advanced upon Bobby.
Just as he was about to strike the officer, Jacob was distracted as the door opened and the light was switched on.
"Okay partner, rise and...." The word died on Ponch's lips as he took in the scene.
Bobby used the interruption to his advantage and kicked out at Jacob, knocking the man backwards. Though he recovered quickly and aimed the gun at the restrained Bobby. Ponch leapt at the attacker and the pair toppled onto the bed. In the struggle all three ended up falling from the bed onto the floor. Bobby was pinned under the pair grappling for the gun and was frantically trying to free himself from his bonds to assist his partner.
Carlos, who had until now been frozen to the spot, took action. He picked up a lamp for a table and, before Bobby could shout a warning, smashed it down on Ponch's head. Stunned Ponch slumped forward. Carlos grabbed Jacob and the pair quickly made their escape.
Ponch came to his senses when he realised Bobby was yelling from underneath him. He heard the engine of a vehicle being started outside and ran to the window. He was in time to see a van disappearing around the corner at the end of the street.
"Damn!" He slammed the palm of his hand against the window frame in frustration.
"Hey Ponch?"
Ponch turned at the sound of Bobby's voice to see the younger man still struggling on the floor.
"A little help partner?" Sixteen – Assessing the Situation
The fog in Bruce's head began to clear and he became aware of something cold and flat against his face. He opened his eyes to see that he was still in the garage. Noting that everything at a funny angle he realised he was lying on the floor. As Bruce attempted to sit up, pain seared through his right wrist, which was tied behind his back. Grey dots flashed across his vision, but Bruce was determined not to fall back into unconsciousness. He blinked back the impending darkness and continued to wriggle against the wall until he was upright. His back was throbbing and Bruce felt a warm, wet trickle running down his left forearm. Glancing over his shoulder he realised it was blood coming from a deep cut. He knew he had been in a fight with Jacob, but couldn't remember receiving this particular injury. Bruce wondered what else his kidnapper had been up to while he was unconscious.
**********
Ponch and Bobby sat in Sgt. Getraer's office. They had briefed the Sergeant on the nights' events and the pair had been checked over by the station doctor, much to the two officer's objections.
Bruce's bloodied shirt sleeve had been put into an evidence bag, which Sgt. Getraer now had in his possession.
"Thankfully, there's not enough blood here to justify Jacob's threat about Bruce," He hoped he sounded confident as he tried to reassure his worried officers.
"Did Jacob actually say he had killed Bruce?" He asked Bobby.
Bobby searched his memory for the words Jacob had used, flinching when he remembered the man shoving his brother's bloodied shirt into his face.
Ponch laid a reassuring hand on Bobby's shoulder.
"Err, no." Bobby pulled himself out of the flashback. "He said that we were even."
"He wanted to see your reaction." Ponch tried to keep the anger from his voice. "The bastard's messing with your head, trying to get a rise out of you."
A flicker of rage appeared in Bobby's eyes.
"It's working."
Ponch and Sgt. Getraer shared a concerned glance. Neither had seen the younger officer quite so enraged before and neither wanted to think about what would happen to Bobby if Jacob made true on his threat.
Before either of them could voice their concerns, Grossman knocked and entered.
"Sarge, we've got a possible location on Carlos Montoya, LAPD are checking it out."
**********
Debbie followed Jacob as he walked from the office into the garage. Bruce watched the pair, cautiously.
"You took a big chance going to the guys' apartment." Debbie was agitated.
Jacob stopped and turned to face Debbie
"Maybe, but it was worth it." He grinned and grabbed Debbie by the waist.
She didn't resist as he pulled her toward him, though she did pull away when Jacob leaned in to kiss her.
"Was it?" She said the scorn evident in her voice. "If you've had your moment of glory, maybe we can get out of this dump."
She watched Jacob carefully.
"Remember Mexico?" She leaned in towards Jacob. "A house on the beach."
She kissed her lover.
"A new life, just you and me." She continued to coax.
"A new life," Jacob agreed. He smiled at Debbie and then glanced over to Bruce, "With no ties."
A knot formed in the young officers' stomach as his eyes met Jacob's icy stare. "This does not look good." He concluded.
Carlos, who had been working near the front door, glanced up as a black and white patrol car pulled up outside.
"Err boss," He whipped his head round. "I think we have a problem."
"What kind of problem?" Jacob asked, annoyed that his time with Debbie was being cut short.
"Cops!" Carlos replied
In an instant Jacob was at his side.
"How did the police find us?" He queried, sure that they hadn't been followed from Bobby's apartment.
Bruce's heart leapt when he heard Jacob mention the police.
Jacob watched the two officers from the patrol car approach the garage. He glanced up and down the street, seeing that it was clear of any other traffic.
"Okay, it looks like it's just the two of them," He tucked the gun he had drawn into the waistband of his jeans and covered it with his shirt.
"Carlos, get Nelson in the back."
Carlos nodded and ran over to Bruce. As he was yanked to his feet, fire shot through Bruce's arm and he yelped in pain.
Jacob turned at the sudden noise.
"Keep him quiet!" He hissed.
Carlos clamped a hand over the injured officer's mouth, cutting off another cry as he was dragged into the office.
"Debbie, get out of sight." Jacob nodded to the office. "I'll get rid of them."
Debbie followed Carlos into the office, closing the door behind her. Carlos shoved Bruce to the ground next to the water cooler, who grimaced as his back connected with the wall. Carlos grabbed a rag from his pocket. Before he had time to protest, the filthy rag was thrust into Bruce's mouth. Carlos joined Debbie next to the office door.
The police officers double checked the address of the garage and knocked on the door. Seventeen – Cornered
Jacob swung the door open.
"Can I help you officers?" He asked calmly.
One of the officers looked him up and down, mentally checking the man at the door with the description they had been given of Carlos.
"We're looking for Carlos Montoya," He stated. "We have this address as his last known location."
Jacob nodded.
"He used to work here," He emphasised the 'used to'.
"He doesn't anymore?" The officer questioned.
"I caught the little creep helping himself to the takings one night, so I kicked him out." Jacob watched as the officer took down notes. "Damn shame, the kid was a good mechanic."
"And when was this?"
Jacob took a moment, pretending to mull over the officers' question.
"About a month ago, give or take."
Again the officer noted the details.
"You haven't seen him since?"
Jacob shook his head.
"Nope."
As the police continued to ask questions, Carlos and Debbie watched covertly from the office. They were both turned away from Bruce, who was desperately trying to think of a way to attract the attention of the two officers. He shifted position and bumped into the cooler, which moved. Seizing his chance Bruce pushed against the cooler with his left shoulder. It moved slightly but then rocked back into position. He checked on Carlos and Debbie, who were focused on Jacob and hadn't heard him. He tried again. The cooler tilted forward but didn't tip over; by now Bruce was breathing heavily through the oily rag. He heard the officers outside.
"If he does contact you, call us straight away."
They turned to leave. Jacob started to relax. Bruce felt his heart drop. "They're buying his story," He thought dismayed that once again he was about to be left to the fate of Jacob.
Bruce pushed into the cooler with every ounce of energy he had left. He and the cooler crashed to ground.
Outside the two officers hesitated and shared a glance upon hearing the crash.
"Is someone else in there sir?" One of the officers questioned, noticing a sudden change in Jacob's expression.
"Nope, just me." Jacob tried to keep his composure.
The officer tried to peer round Jacob into the garage.
"Oh, and my cat Felix." Jacob added. Though he sensed that the officers were no longer buying his story.
"Would you mind if we came in and had a look around?" The officer studied Jacob's face for a reaction.
"Actually I'm kinda beat." Jacob was getting nervous. "Could you come back in the morning?"
In the office Carlos had grabbed Bruce and was pinning him to the ground. Bruce tried to roll free, but Carlos forced a knee into his back. Bruce cried out into the gag. Carlos then silenced the officer with an elbow to the side of his face, sending his world spinning.
Outside the officers heard the muffled cry and both reached for their side arms.
"Sir, stand aside." One of the officers tried to order Jacob away from the door.
Jacob pulled his own gun from his waistband at the same moment the officers had taken their stance and fired. One officer stumbled to the ground, hit in the shoulder. The other dove for cover as a bullet whizzed past his ear. The latter managed to squeeze off a shot at Jacob, which ricocheted off the door frame as he retreated back inside the garage. Eighteen – Under Siege
Jacob stormed through the garage to the office.
"What the hell happened?" He yelled at Carlos pulling him up by his collar.
"The cop smashed the cooler," He said in his defence, gesturing to Bruce who still lay on the ground.
Bruce rolled onto his back, clearing the last few dots from in front of his eyes from Carlos' savage blow. They were replaced by Jacob's furious form.
*********
Outside, the uninjured officer checked on his partner's flesh wound and grabbed the radio receiver in their patrol car.
"LA15, mobile 2, assistance required, shots fired, I repeat shots fired at garage on 127th & Main." He continued quickly. "One officer injured and a possible hostage situation, roll ambulance and armed response to this location."
*********
A gush of air escaped from Bruce's lungs as he was thrown forward into the desk. He gagged and choked as the rag in his mouth prevented him from catching his breath.
"You think you're so smart!" Jacob shouted and spun Bruce around. He sent a savage punch into the officer's ribs.
Bruce gave a muffled yell as a second blow quickly followed the first.
Jacob was about to deliver a third, when Debbie placed a hand on his arm.
"Shouldn't we be getting out of here about now?"
Jacob met Debbie's eyes then glanced back at Bruce, who was barely keeping upright and leaning heavily against the desk. The rage was still evident in his captor's eyes, but Bruce saw the muscle in his arm relax.
"Go check out front." He told Debbie. "Carlos, get the van ready."
The pair both left the office. Jacob turned his attention back to Bruce, who was still breathing heavily against the gag.
Bruce attempted to speak, but what he said was muffled.
Jacob laughed at his efforts.
"You want to talk Officer Nelson?" He stepped up close to the younger man.
Bruce kept eye contact, refusing to be intimidated by the larger man.
Jacob removed the gag and Bruce spit the foul oily taste from his mouth.
"I know you think Bobby killed your brother," Bruce kept his voice calm as anger flashed in Jacob's eyes."
"He murdered him." Jacob spat back. "He moved Bryan from the car and killed him."
Bruce tried to keep Jacob talking knowing back-up would arrive soon.
"There was an accident?" He questioned. "Who was driving?"
Bruce watched as some of the rage left Jacobs face, though the man didn't answer.
"You were." Bruce concluded.
The pieces of what had happened clicked into place and Bruce decided to voice his theory.
"You were driving the car and you were drunk."
Jacob shook his head.
"No."
"You lost control & crashed the car." Bruce could see his ploy was working as Jacob started showing emotion, tears welling up in the man's eyes.
Bruce tried one last time.
"Bobby didn't kill your brother," He watched Jacob carefully. "You did."
Just then sirens were heard from outside. In an instant Jacob was back to his old self.
"You're lying!"
Jacob struck out with the gun, connecting with the side of Bruce's head. Bruce was flung to the ground from the force of the blow, his ears ringing.
**********
Several police units pulled up outside the garage. Medics from an ambulance attended to the injured officer. His partner briefed Sgt. Getraer.
"Two or more suspects inside the building, we heard a muffled shout before the guy at the door started shooting."
Sgt. Getraer showed him a photo of Jacob Levy.
"Is this the guy?"
The officer nodded.
"That's him." He confirmed.
Ponch and Bobby joined the Sergeant.
"Is it Levy?" Ponch asked.
"Just got a positive I.D."
"What about Bruce?" Bobby was anxious for news of his brother.
The LAPD officer shrugged his shoulders.
"Someone was trying to get our attention, I heard a shout but it was cut off." He saw the disappointment on Bobby's face. "There's been no further shots fired, sorry I can't give you anymore information."
Sgt. Getraer thanked the officer who returned to his injured partner.
**********
Jacob paced the office. He had been so stupid to let Nelson get into his head. He glanced down at Bruce on the floor and realised he had been buying time. "I should have dealt with you long ago pig!" He thought as he delivered a savage kick to the officer's ribs.
Bruce cried out in pain. Jacob knelt down and grabbed a handful of Bruce's hair. He looked into the battered face of his captive.
"Who got the power now?"
Jacob ran the gun up from Bruce's chin along the side of his face. Bruce again defied giving his captor the satisfaction of seeing his fear and met his eyes. Enraged Jacob pressed the gun into Bruce's temple.
Debbie returned to the office.
"Jacob, we've got a whole station full of cops out front."
Bruce felt the pressure from the gun ease and he let out the breath which he had been subconsciously holding. He swallowed back the urge to vomit and from far away he heard Jacob's voice.
"Not a problem."
Jacob grabbed the officer by his left bi-cep.
"Up!" He demanded, hauling Bruce to his feet before he had a chance to comply.
"Baby, what are you gonna do?" Debbie asked confused and a little worried. She had never seen her lover so angry before.
Jacob half dragged Bruce across the garage, past Carlos, to the front door.
"I'm getting us out of here!"
Nineteen – Ultimatum
Outside the garage an officer spotted movement.
"Someone's coming out!"
All eyes, and guns, were focused on the garage door as it opened.
Jacob shoved Bruce in front of him, keeping his own body out of the line of fire. Bruce concentrated more on remaining upright than the sea of officers in front of him.
Bobby heart jumped into his throat when he saw his brother. He could see various cuts and bruises on his face and he was wavering slightly on his feet, but he was alive.
"Bruce!"
Bobby tried to step forward, but a strong hand on his arm held him back.
"Hold it partner," Ponch said at his side. He too was relieved to see Bruce.
Upon hearing his brother's voice Bruce found some energy to struggle against his captor. Hoping to pull loose to give the officers a chance to shoot Jacob.
Jacob simply tightened his vice like grip on the officer's arm and thrust the gun under Bruce's chin. Bruce instantly stilled.
"Unless you want this very fine young officers' career ended in the next two minutes, you'll back off right now!" Jacob demanded.
The officers hesitated.
"I said now!" He pushed the gun harder into Bruce's chin, causing him to tilt back his head painfully.
Sgt. Getraer gave the order to pull back. There was a flurry of movement as officers climbed into cars or ran back down the street to a safer distance.
Satisfied the police had complied Jacob pulled Bruce back inside the garage and slammed the door.
"In the van, now!" He ordered "Carlos, you're driving."
Jacob pulled Bruce to the side door of the van as Carlos climbed into the front. Debbie opened the door.
Bruce tried one last time to reason with his captor.
"Jacob it's over, just give it up before someone else gets hurt."
"Shut up!" Jacob cuffed the officer across the head with the gun and pushed him inside the van.
Carlos started the engine when all were in.
"What about the front doors?" He shouted through the metal grate between the front and the back.
"Ram them!" Jacob answered.
"Okay," Carlos answered under his breath.
Thinking Jacob had truly lost the plot and was about to get them all killed, he put the van into drive and hit the gas.
